Marcus Rashford could be set for a fortuitous reunion should he complete a permanent move to Barcelona this summer. The Catalan club have announced plans to spend part of their pre season preparations training at St George’s Park.
The Catalan giants are scheduled to visit the home of the England national team during the latter stages of their pre season programme. This could see the Manchester United forward cross paths with a number of familiar faces, provided he has sealed a move to Barca by that point.
Barcelona to return to familiar ground
Barcelona will be based at St George’s Park for one week between July 27 and August 3. The club previously visited the same venue during their 2014 and 2016 summer schedules, having clearly been left with a favourable impression.
In a statement announcing the training camp, the club said: “The start of 2026/27 preseason is now mapped out for the FC Barcelona first team. Hansi Flick’s side are set to return to work on July 13 with the usual medical check ups and physical tests.
“The team will begin training at the Ciutat Esportiva and there will be a preseason stage in England. From July 27 to August 3, the blaugranes will be at St George’s Park, one of the main centres for football in England and a regular base for the England national team. The facility was used twice before during preseason in the summers of 2014 and 2016.”
Rashford’s uncertain future
Rashford’s future hangs in the balance following an eye catching campaign on loan at the Camp Nou. The England forward has been desperate for a permanent switch to Catalonia, where he netted 14 goals and contributed another 14 assists in 49 appearances this term.
Yet there has been no concrete sign Barca will stump up the required £26m to seal a permanent transfer. Claims have emerged the Spaniards want to negotiate for a reduced fee, but United are holding their ground.
Flick’s backing and a new complication
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has indicated he’s satisfied with Rashford’s contributions throughout their time working together. The German has also allegedly urged Barca to finalise a deal so he can keep working with the 28 year old.
The matter has been further muddied by Barca’s capture of Newcastle and England winger Anthony Gordon. And not simply because Gordon brings added competition for Rashford in his favoured left wing position.
The £70m deal also demonstrates Barca’s financial standing beyond doubt. They’ll find it difficult to persuade United they cannot complete a move for Rashford on the suggested terms if they sign Gordon for triple the sum.
‘If I was a magician, I would stay’
Rashford has made no secret of his wish to stay at the Camp Nou permanently. He spoke openly on the subject after netting against Real Madrid in El Clasico last month, helping to seal La Liga glory for Flick’s side.
“I don’t know. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay,” said Rashford when pressed about whether he would like to remain at Barca beyond this season. “So we will see.”
The bottom line
Rashford will be occupied at the World Cup in the coming weeks. Yet that may not be his sole involvement with the national side this summer, should Barcelona act quickly enough to tie down his signature.
A reunion on English soil beckons. St George’s Park awaits. And Rashford could be training there as a Barcelona player alongside Anthony Gordon, with familiar faces all around.
The £26m question remains unanswered. But the clock is ticking. And the pre season schedule is already set.
